Deciding to go into teaching

Jess214

This would be my 2nd career change.  After my undergrad (I majored in Math) I worked as a computer programmer.  I lost some weight and got really into fitness and decided to make that my career so I quit my $60K/yr job and got a Master's in Health Promotion.  Fast forward 10 years, I'm working in a Fitness Center 5 AM - 9 AM MThF & 5 AM - 2 PM TuW.  I can't see mayself getting up that early and going to work to teach Spinning, Yoga and Muscle classes when I'm past 40.  I still want to do something that helps people and feels meaningful, but also use my brain a bit more (I do a lot of program planning and stat reports right now, but only a small part of the day-to-day).  Am I crazy? I still owe $ for my Master's loan, but I think it woudl make sense for our family.  Anyway I've started exploring what I'll need to do to become a Middle School/High School Math teacher.  Just needed to put my idea out there in the universe - thx.

gibs

Why wouldn't you look for a job in health education instead of teaching spinning before the crack of dawn or math for very little money?

veloelle

Probably depends on where you are. In California they are laying off teachers, making them work more for the same $$ or less. Could you volunteer or teach a class at a community center to see how you like it? Or tutor on the side? A friend owns her own tutoring biz and she does very well.

hikerbeth

I second the tutoring.  I tutored math for a while after getting laid off from my engineering job.  It's nice and flexible.  If there are any certificates you can get (I got an "alternative teacher license" in my state) it may make you more marketable as a tutor.  How about substituting?  Generally you just need a degree and a background check to do that.  It's flexible and you can test the waters and make a little $$.

Ironically, I'm in the fitness industry as well and plan to broaden my scope (get a personal training certificate) to create the most flexible situation for me.